Five arrested for exploiting foreign workers in barbershops and restaurants

PalmThe National Police have arrested five people in Palma accused of labor exploitation of foreign workers in barbershops and restaurants in the city. The employees were subjected to workdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Sunday, without days off or vacations. The operation began following an anonymous tip to the email address against human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and labor exploitation, alerting authorities to possible irregularities in businesses run by those now arrested. Based on this information, a joint inspection was carried out with the Labor Inspectorate. During the operation, several foreign workers were identified in barbershops and restaurants in the Balearic capital who lacked authorization to work and were in an irregular immigration status. Investigators confirmed prolonged working hours, the absence of employment contracts, and improper wage deductions that created a situation of economic dependency. According to the police, the employees also suffered social isolation, as they were not allowed to speak to customers, and lived in indecent housing conditions in spaces adjacent to the premises. For this reason, the housing service of the Consell de Mallorca and the urban planning enforcement department of the Palma City Council have initiated the corresponding administrative sanctions. This police operation is part of the actions carried out by the National Police against labor exploitation and the violation of the rights of foreign workers. The investigation remains open and further actions are not ruled out. The Police have reminded the public that the telephone number 900 10 50 90 is free and confidential for reporting or requesting help in cases of human trafficking, sexual or labor exploitation, and that the email address trata@policia.es is also available to provide information.